REVIEW: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25: Solid Support for Long Miles
I’ve spent a lot of time out on the Fayetteville Greenway in Northwest Arkansas, and if you’ve walked, biked, or jogged any of it, you know it’s a beautiful stretch of smooth paved trail winding through some of the best parts of the Ozarks. It’s a perfect spot to test out new shoes, especially something built for logging miles on the road. I was lucky enough to get a pair of the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 that are releasing later this November.
I’ll be honest, when I first laced these up, they felt a little stiff. But after the first couple of miles, they really started to come alive. I wasn’t sure how they’d handle the mix of pavement and some gravel spur trails along the Greenway, but they held up better than I expected.
Design & Aesthetics
The Adrenaline GTS 25 keeps that classic Brooks look, which is either a win or a snooze depending on how flashy you like your shoes. I went with the Oyster Green and Grey color combo, which looks clean without drawing too much attention. Brooks usually offers a handful of colorways, and this model’s no different; plenty to choose from if you want to spice it up or lay low. The updated engineered mesh upper looks a little sleeker this year and has better breathability than older versions. I wouldn’t call them head-turners, but they’re sharp in a low-key way.
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Functionality
Here’s where these shoes shine. The GuideRails support system is the star of the show. I’ve got a bit of over-pronation in my stride and these do a solid job of gently correcting it without feeling like you’re walking on rails. The DNA Loft v2 foam gives a softer ride than I was expecting. It’s not mushy, but it’s forgiving, perfect for putting in daily miles. The 12mm drop takes a little getting used to if you’re coming from a lower-profile shoe, but once I settled into it, it just felt natural. Honestly, these are kind of like cruise control for your feet.
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Durability
I’ve logged around 75 miles so far, mostly on paved greenway with a few detours onto crushed gravel, and they’re still looking and feeling pretty fresh. The outsole rubber has solid coverage in high-impact zones, and there’s barely any noticeable wear yet. The mesh upper hasn’t torn or frayed at all, and I’ve taken these through some light rain and muddy patches without issue. The heel counter is firm and supportive, and everything about the build feels like it’ll last for the long haul. Definitely made with daily training in mind.
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Value
These will retail at $140, which is about average for a stability trainer nowadays. It’s not cheap, but you’re paying for a reliable shoe that’s gonna keep your feet and knees feeling solid. That said, there are other shoes out there in the same price range with a bit more pop or versatility. I’d say the Adrenaline GTS 25 is best suited for folks who know they need that stability and want a consistent daily driver. If you’re a neutral runner or want something lighter, this might feel like more shoe than you need.
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Final Thoughts
Overall, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 is a dependable, no-drama kind of shoe. It’s not the flashiest, and it doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, but for people like me who are out there racking up greenway miles and just want something that works, this is a good bet. The support system works like it should, the cushioning is balanced, and the durability is impressive. If you’ve got mild stability needs or just want something comfortable for everyday walking and running, these are worth a look.
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